The 2024 NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Adentan, Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie, has criticised government’s implementation of the GH¢1 per litre levy.

She accused it of misusing public trust to impose harsh taxes on Ghanaians.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, June 9, 2025, Kozie criticised the framing of the levy, passed under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, as deceptive and downplayed in public discourse.

“If we sit here and make this GH¢1 tax per litre look like it’s just GH¢1, when ultimately it’s almost GH¢4.50 per gallon of fuel, then we are taking Ghanaians for granted,” she said.

“This deliberate attempt to push the GH¢1 narrative to make it seem like a one-time payment—or like you’re paying GH¢1 a month—is very deliberate brainwashing, gaslighting that you guys are doing. And the earlier you stop, the better,” she warned.

Her comments come amid rising public discontent and plans for mass protests by the Minority in Parliament, who estimate the new levy could extract GH¢475 million from consumers monthly, totalling GH¢5.7 billion annually.

Kozie’s remarks add to growing public concern over the government’s increasing dependence on indirect taxes, which many say are putting unbearable pressure on household budgets.

She cautioned the ruling party against using its remaining political goodwill to push unpopular policies that risk deepening voter apathy.

The Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL), set to take effect on June 16, is intended to support efforts to restructure power sector debts.

However, critics argue the move unfairly burdens already strained citizens without tackling the core inefficiencies in state institutions like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has also condemned the rollout of the levy, calling it both “unlawful” and “coercive.”